This French carrot salad is bright, crunchy, and super easy to whip up! With just grated carrots, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing, it’s refreshing and full of flavor.
You’ll love how quick it is to make—perfect for those busy weeknights! I often toss in some nuts for added crunch. It’s a tasty way to eat your veggies and feels so fancy too! 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: The star of this salad! Use large, fresh carrots for the best flavor. If you’re low on carrots, you can also mix in other root vegetables like radishes or beets for a colorful twist.
Zucchini: While optional, zucchini adds a nice crunch. Feel free to leave it out if you want a pure carrot salad. You can also use cucumber if it’s what you have on hand, which gives a refreshing taste.
Parsley: Fresh parsley lends a bright flavor. If you don’t have it, consider cilantro for a different twist or even green onions for a slight kick.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy element. If you prefer, you can swap it for whole grain mustard or honey mustard. Just know that the flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do You Make Sure the Dressing Blends Well?
To achieve a well-blended dressing, it’s essential to whisk the ingredients together well. The method for making the dressing is straightforward, but a few tips can help ensure it turns out perfect.
- Use a small bowl to whisk the dressing components: olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Starting with the mustard and gradually adding the oil helps to emulsify the mixture.
- Whisk vigorously! You want to see bubbles forming, which indicates a good mix.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently, ensuring every carrot (and zucchini, if added) is coated evenly.
- Letting the salad sit for at least 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Incredible, Simple French Carrot Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 large carrots, grated or julienned
- 1 medium zucchini, grated or julienned (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. With just a little chopping and whisking, you’ll have a fresh, tasty dish ready in no time. Plus, letting it sit for 10 minutes helps the flavors come together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by grating or julienning the carrots and zucchini if you choose to include it. Place them into a large mixing bowl. The more colorful, the better!
2. Add Fresh Herbs:
Next, chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the grated vegetables. Give it a good mix so the parsley is distributed evenly throughout the carrots and zucchini.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined into a lovely dressing.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over your carrot and zucchini mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure all the vegetables are nicely coated with the dressing.
5. Let it Rest:
Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld and become even more delicious!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can enjoy it chilled from the fridge or at room temperature. Dive in and savor the freshness!
Can I Use Different Types of Carrots?
Absolutely! While traditional orange carrots work great, you can also use purple, yellow, or even white carrots for a colorful twist. Just make sure they’re fresh and preferably of the same size for even grating or julienning.
What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use whole grain mustard or a mild yellow mustard. For a slightly different flavor, try using a little bit of honey or maple syrup mixed with the mustard to add sweetness!
How to Store Leftover Carrot Salad?
Store any leftover carrot salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh it before serving, give the salad a good toss and consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding other grated vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even shredded cabbage. Just make sure to keep the ratios similar so that the dressing coats everything nicely!
